Local government staff to strike in July

Around 600,000 local government workers will strike on July 16 and 17 in protest over pay, public sector union Unison said on Tuesday.

The staff, ranging from garbage collectors to teaching assistants, voted to strike on Monday after rejecting a 2.45 percent pay increase.

"Unison negotiators are recommending to the union's industrial action committee that its 600,000 local government workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland kick off their strike action with a 48-hour walk out on July 16 and 17," Unison said in a statement.
News
13 Christians abducted in church attack in Nigeria
13 Christians abducted in church attack in Nigeria

Thirteen Christians have been abducted by a militia group in Nigeria following a skirmish in Kogi State.

Former moderator of Church of Scotland teams up with pop star to release Christmas song
Former moderator of Church of Scotland teams up with pop star to release Christmas song

What do you do when you've retired from leading a church?

Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'
Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'

The university and students' union said the play was within the bounds of free speech laws.

Pro-life campaigner who silently prayed in abortion clinic buffer zone criminally charged
Pro-life campaigner who silently prayed in abortion clinic buffer zone criminally charged

A pro-life campaigner who silently prayed near an abortion clinic in Birmingham has been criminally charged.